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Light pipes in IEC device sockets for status indication in PDUs

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Optical fibres can be installed on a wide range of IEC appliance sockets. This allows the light from LEDs mounted on a printed circuit board on the back of the socket to reach the front of the unit. The light guides are always positioned precisely above the LEDs in injection-moulded guides. Suitable positions for the openings are the four corners of the outlet. Advantage: The light indicator is located close to the socket. This means that the signal can be assigned quickly and unequivocally, even in large power cabinets with various sockets and cables.

More efficiency

A typical application is the distribution strip for PDUs (Power Distribution Unit) in data centres. With the new SCHURTER appliance sockets, the available intelligence can be used more efficiently. The service technician on site can see directly which cans work and/or where a problem exists. For example, a failure can be signalled by a red LED and a critical power consumption pattern by a yellow LED. This makes it possible to carry out repairs and preventive interventions faster, easier and more cost-efficient.

Wide range
The range of SCHURTER IEC appliance sockets with optical fibres is wide. The standard versions are equipped with light guides with a diameter of 2 mm and a length of up to 50 mm. They are designed for front panel thicknesses between 0.8 - 3.0 mm.

In order to ensure an even better differentiation of individual cans, various can types are not only available in black, but also in grey and white colour coding. This allows for a classification into the three-phase system, and in the often darker power supply shafts of the data centres, they thus offer a clear plus in terms of safety and functionality.

Additional safety

In addition to the strengths of the IEC appliance sockets with integrated optical fibre openings, the general advantages of the SCHURTER appliance sockets are mentioned. Various models have IDC (Insulation Displacement Connector) connections. With the rear protective cover, the three conductors can be pushed into the insulation displacement terminals at the same time, and the cover remains locked to the socket as a contact protection. This makes installation and wiring particularly efficient and cost-saving.

Up to now, IDC connections have only been represented in IEC device sockets of type F (10A). However, SCHURTER is also expanding its IDC range to include models of the type J (16 A).

 SCHURTER_IDC_400_d5a868bf6a2ad7af439a01a685b09c96ebb55a15.jpgAll appliance sockets with optical fibres also offer mechanical protection against unintentional disconnection from the mains. The in-house V-Lock as well as other common side-latch pull-out safety systems are suitable for this purpose. The device connection plug with one or more cams snaps into an opening in the device socket. The lock can be released by pressing the release button. These systems do not require expensive additional elements.

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Conclusion

The ever more complex network structures in data centres require an increasingly complex but absolutely reliable power supply. Thousands of appliance sockets and kilometres of cables: keeping an overview here is essential for fail-safe operation. With its IEC appliance sockets with integrated guides for light guides, SCHURTER offers a unique, professional and smart solution for all power supply applications in complex environments.  

The SCHURTER Group is a globally successful Swiss technology business. With our components ensuring the clean and safe supply of power, input systems for ease of use and sophisticated overall solutions, we impress our customers with agility and excellent product and service quality. We focus on industrial equipment, medical equipment, automotive, avionics and space, data and communication and energy.
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